Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic: Job Description
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
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The Daily Work of Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Perform?
Typical responsibilities of patternmakers, metal and plastic span:
- Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
- Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
- Repair and rework templates and patterns.
- Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
- Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
- Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
- Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
- Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
Skills and Knowledge
Effective patternmakers, metal and plastic combine a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Top Skills
The abilities most important for this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Core Knowledge
Related Job Titles
People in this occupation may also be known by titles such as:
- Acoustical Tile Patternmaker
- All-Around Patternmaker
- Boilermaker Loftsman
- Chart Writer
- Computer Patternmaker
- Die Cast Die Maker
- Die Inspector
- Die Technician
Employment and Demand
The U.S. employs around 737,941 patternmakers, metal and plastic working in the United States today. Demand is forecast to grow by +4.3% over the projection horizon.
Salary for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $41,576 |
| Hourly median | $19.99 |
| 10th percentile | $25,307 |
| 25th percentile | $33,442 |
| 75th percentile | $49,710 |
| 90th percentile | $57,844 |
Compensation varies based on experience, location, and industry.
How Much Do Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Make in Different U.S. States?
| State | Annual median salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $80,190 |
| Michigan | $73,730 |
| Minnesota | $66,120 |
| California | $65,570 |
| Massachusetts | $63,480 |
| Ohio | $63,420 |
| Iowa | $63,300 |
| Washington | $59,740 |
| Indiana | $53,980 |
| Texas | $52,960 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,000 |
| Alabama | $48,660 |
| Wisconsin | $47,540 |
| Tennessee | $38,680 |
| North Carolina | $37,970 |
Pay by U.S. Region
Compensation for patternmakers, metal and plastic vary by region. Top regions by median wage:
| Region | Median annual wage | Share of U.S. jobs | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plains States | $64,710 | 6.2% | 1.94 |
| Far Western US | $59,740 | 3.1% | 1.08 |
| Great Lakes | $59,343 | 51.9% | 4.46 |
| Southwest | $52,960 | 4.7% | 0.44 |
| Middle Atlantic | $52,000 | 13.2% | 2.77 |
| Southeast | $44,410 | 20.9% | 4.90 |
Top Metro Areas
| Metro area | State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | CA | $65,570 | |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | MI | $53,910 | |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | PA | $52,220 | 40 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | WI | $47,520 |
Which Industries Hire Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
The largest employers of patternmakers, metal and plastic work in these industries:
| Industry | Employment | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 1,530 | $54,650 |
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Tools and Technology
- Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD (hot technology)
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
The Day-to-Day Environment
The on-the-job environment of patternmakers, metal and plastic reflects the following characteristics:
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Time Pressure
- Contact With Others
Getting Started in This Career
Typical patternmakers, metal and plastic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry-level education. This occupation sits in Medium Preparation Needed (Job Zone 3), signaling the level of preparation typically expected.
Similar Occupations
Similar Occupations
- Mechanical Drafters (Supplemental)
- Sheet Metal Workers (Supplemental)
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers (Supplemental)
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters (Primary-Long)
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (Primary-Long)
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (Supplemental)
- Machinists (Supplemental)
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic (Primary-Short)
Where to Study
Future patternmakers, metal and plastic often complete programs in:
Precision Production
1 programs across 1 majors
About the Data
This profile draws on the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 51-4062.00 (Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic).
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